Reading Half Marathon

 The plan for the Reading Half Marathon had been to do the Manchester Marathon then spend a month working really hard to absolutely go for it and get a great time. Obviously when I made this plan, I forgot just how much doing a marathon takes from you mentally and physically – and how much celebrating I had scheduled in throughout October!

So I got to the start line not really knowing what my body was going to do or what to expect. Nerves kicked in a bit and I had to really give myself a talking to the remind me that I more than had the miles in my legs to get through a half, I just needed to do my best to enjoy it and not panic.

Despite being a week into November, the weather was really pleasant with blue skies and bright sunshine which added to the great atmosphere in the race village. After a bit of a walk to get to the starting area, it was time to start the penned in shuffle towards the start line, before finally getting going not too long before 11am.

For the first mile I cranked the pace up a bit because I didn’t want to settle too early if I could help it, so there was a lot of ducking and diving in-between other runners to find space to run. This gradually got a bit easier as the crowd of runners thinned to a steady flow and everyone started to nicely find their own rhythm ready for the long road ahead.

I felt quite comfortable as I moved into the second mile, enjoying taking in the sights and sound of completely unfamiliar streets. What I hadn’t been expecting was a really sharp steep incline approaching the 5km mark – all I’d heard was that Reading was a nice flat route! I’m pleased to say I dug deep and kept running though, determined to do the best I could.

Despite the route flattening out again after that hill, it didn’t seem to get any easier and I was starting to feel a lot more tired than I should do just a few miles in. I willed myself to keep going and enjoy the crowds as I turned off the main road and through the university campus, but it was taking a lot of willing!

I soon realised I was going to have to put some tactics in place to keep my head in it and not have a terrible race, as I still had well over an hour’s worth of running to do. So, as I reached the 10km mark I decided to slow to a walk, take on a gel and some water and just give myself a bit of a rest. Then just when I needed it, I started to hear the echos of a drumming band in the distance which helped me to pick the pace up again.

The next section was really quite nice, running through the streets of Reading town centre taking in some picturesque buildings and enjoying the spectators who’d came out to line the street and cheer us on. The miles started to tick by again, even with some more tough and quite unwelcome steep and unexpected inclines again.

Getting toward the three-quarters-of-the-way point I was still feeling positive but starting to flag again so I went for the same walk, gel, water approach which had given me a boost last time and carried on. Coupled with a few bits of downhill for a change, I found the energy I needed to enjoy the next mile – fuelled also by some great songs shuffling through my Spotify playlist.

The majority of the rest of the race was don a very long dual carriageway back towards the stadium for the finish. This bit could have potentially been quite boring but the November sun shone down and everyone was in great spirits as we marched on, enjoying the sight of the stadium growing closer while traffic on the opposite side of the road honked their horns in support. Plus it was nice and flat!

Before too long, the patch took a turn into the carpark round another corner and finally into the football ground for the big stadium finish! In my view, the last few hundred metres were the best of the race and definitely what made it different to any others that I’ve done – the feeling of running into the football ground and around the pitch watched by hundreds of spectators was amazing!

All in all I came in at just over 2:14 which I was alright with, I’d have liked to have shaved a few minutes off that ideally, but my preparation hadn’t been ideal and the course was more challenging than I expected. Another one ticked off, but it’s not an event I’m desperate to do again.

 

 

 

Manchester Marathon

Here it is then, the event I’ve worked all year to prepare for!

Signing up to a marathon in Manchester in October is always going to be a bit of a gamble with the weather, but waking up to bright blue skies on Sunday morning took away any dread of grey skies and rain clouds, it was delightful!

That didn’t stop the nerves of course! They’d been building steadily over the last few days, but to be honest they were building in a good “I’m determined to go out and do myself proud” way, rather than a “flipping heck what have I signed up for I don’t think I can do this” way.

Making our way to the start line, the race day buzz was easy to feel. It was an interesting dynamic because we had to make our way through crowds of half marathon finishers while we still had our challenge ahead of us.

We reached the gates of Old Trafford Cricket Ground and it was time for the runners and spectators to go our separate ways. I did well and just about managed to hold back tears as I said goodbye to Des. Suddenly everything seemed very real and it was almost time to run a marathon!

The set-up at the cricket ground was great – no need for horrible portaloos which was very welcome! We walked round to the starting pen and waited patiently for a little bit, after waiting all morning – the new wave system meant we weren’t due to cross the line until 12!

Before too long the starting gun went and my nerves melted away as I channelled everything I had into the task in hand, completing the 26.2 miles which lay ahead.

I’ve been to Manchester a couple of times, but I wouldn’t say I know the area well at all so, despite studying the route map several times, I was heading somewhat into the unknown and wasn’t sure of what to expect throughout the course.

The first couple of miles were alright, a few twists and turns and some decent spectator support before heading into the city centre and running through the famous Deansgate at around five miles which was fantastic! The streets were lined, everyone clapped and cheered and loads of bits of entertainment spurred everyone on. This bit is a new addition to the route and I’m really glad it was included.

I was averaging just over 10 minute miles which was absolutely fine. I didn’t have a massive plan with pacing really, but I definitely didn’t want to be running any faster than that. I felt nice and comfortable so I carried on churning it out as we made our way back onto the dual carriageway and out of the city, passing Old Trafford football ground before spotting Des and Dawn which gave me a really nice boost!

Mile 8-11 were difficult. There wasn’t much crowd support and I started overthinking just how far I still had to go, wondering if it was going the be this quiet all the way, because I know how much the support from random strangers in the street helps to get me around.

Not far from half way, I fell into pace with some people I knew, so having a chat took my mind of these doubts until the crowds grew again – the people in the suburbs of Sale and Atrincham really tuned out to support and it was great!

Passing 13.1 miles in 2.15, I was really pleased. I knew my pace was going to slow during the second half but I’d set myself up well. I’ve never actually ran further than the half marathon mark without stopping to walk, so every mile I ran without stopping now seemed like a bit of a bonus for my overall finishing time.

There were some tricky parts in the next couple of miles. Definitely not hills by any means, but a few checky inclines which felt like trouble on my tired legs. I kept running though which I’m really proud of, until about the 17 mile marker when I decided to walk for a minute and let my legs have a little rest.

Previously in runs and events, walking for a bit would be the start of some horrible mind games and struggles. But I was comfortable knowing I was doing my absolute best and pushing myself, so I resolved to walk for a little bit every mile if I felt I needed it. I’d been out for over three hours now afterall!

I was hurting now and every step was feeling difficult, but I had a fire in me to keep going and do the best I could. The warm weather wasn’t particularly helpful but I’ve always loved a bit of autumn sunshine so I tried not to let it hinder me too much.

I passed through 20 miles in 3:33 which I was really pleased with. It’s often said that a marathon really starts at 20 miles, so I knew I still had a really tough challenge ahead of me. I did a quick video to send to the family chat group and gathered myself to keep pushing on.

At mile 21 one of the many bits of entertainment around the course was a choir who were singing one of my all time favourites, “your love keeps lifting me higher” and I burst into tears, overcome with the emotion of what I’d done and what was still to come. To be fair though, 21 miles before a cry was almost as much of an achievement for me as 17 miles without stopping to walk.

I completely forgot about it at the time, but the 22 mile mark would see me pass 1,000 miles for the year! Something which, when I set myself the target back in January, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do. I’m almost a bit disappointed I forgot to celebrate that moment, but I was clearly too in the zone to think about it!

The 23 mile marker felt like a massive milestone. ‘Just a parkrun to go’ and all that. I knew whatever happened now I was going to finish in a time I’d be proud of, I just had to keep pushing on to get it done.

The last bit seems like a bit of a blur looking back. I must have checked my watch every couple of metres and wondered why the distance didn’t seem to be changing. I made conversation with some fellow runners about how it really wasn’t funny anymore and how much we didn’t trust the crowds telling us “it’s just around the corner”…we’d heard that loads of times over the last few hours!

The exact boost I needed to get me over the line came just before the final bend onto the last couple of hundred meters, when I saw Des and everyone else from DOrunning shouting and cheering me on. I started crying at this point and didn’t stop! After a quick hug with Des I carried on, the crowds lining the streets building just as much as my tears – the noise was incredible.

As I crossed the finish line, there was no stopping the tears falling. I was so so so proud of myself and so happy and relieved to be done. I’d completed my second marathon in 04:40:27 – exactly the time I wanted and taking more than two hours off my time for London Marathon back in 2018.

Perhaps most importantly though, I knew I’d given it my absolute all. No doubts or feelings that I could have pushed more at any point – I had done my best and I’d done myself proud.

I’m already thinking about marathon number three now. I’d absolutely love it to be London 2022 because I’ve got a score to settle with that event – I know that just getting a place for it is half the battle but I’m going to throw everything I’ve got at getting one. But if it’s not London it will be a different one…watch this space!

 

I might be running 26.2 miles tomorrow, but that's not really the marathon

Tomorrow, I'll be giving the Manchester Marathon by best shot. But the marathon isn't the 26.2 mile run I'm doing tomorrow, not really. I'll tell you why. 

For me, the very latest the marathon started was back in January this year. It was probably even before that because if I'm honest, it's been the itch I've needed to scratch since London in 2018. 

It's the early starts in minus temperatures when the country was locked down and everything felt very strange and uncertain. 

It's running to try and get my head around losing my lovely Grandad.

It's the four laps of Musters Road hill in the snow on a dark Tuesday night. 

It's five times round Richmond and 10 up Lucknow. 

It's the podcast and the playlists and all the DOdailys.

It's the secret solo half marathon in February - the first time I'd done that distance without walking. It's every solo half marathon I've pushed myself through since. 

It's the laps, the reps, the sprints and the dashes. It's putting complete trust in Des when he says it's for the best! 

It's running nine miles around the river the morning after a bottomless brunch for Barnfather's Birthday. 

It's the mid-week big ones and the back-to-back testers.

It's ThunderRun, which I had swore I'd never do again. 

It's celebrating the sub 30, then sub 29, 28, 27 and 26. 

It's the new paths and segments, always looking for a photo opportunity. 

It's the 20 mile walks when I've never liked walking. 

It's the 10,000 steps a day for 223 days, only finishing last week to give my body a rest. 

It's the many times I've tried and failed to give up fizzy pop and stick to water. 

It's the aches, the pains, the blisters and the chafing. 

It's being definitely not not dizzy as the miles built up on the Big Track each week.

It's 'that lake' in every weather.

It's every time I've said "no" when I'd like to have said "yes"...and every time I've said "yes" when I'd rather say "no". 

It's days, weeks, months and years in the making. 

So tomorrow, when I stand at the start line ready for the challenge I know I'll be nervous. But I'll think about the journey before to take my mind off what lies ahead. 

Because really, the hard work is done, so I'll celebrate tomorrow by running a bloody marathon! 

The Robin Hood Half Marathon 2021 – a very engaging race!

This race is always the absolute highlight of my racing calendar, so naturally as it approached this time after no official event last year, my excitement levels went into overdrive.

For our running club, the Robin Hood is like Christmas. We’re out in force and we always celebrate with a big party afterwards – and it was at that very party four years ago that Des and I got together, so it’s extra special for us.

The weekend got off to a great start when we were invited on the BBC Radio Nottingham to give our top tips for listeners taking part in the race. It was great fun, even running up the big hill in the Park in jeans and a hoody. It really set the tone for the weekend!

When Sunday rolled around and it as time to start getting ready, nerves did kick in a little. I tried to focus on telling myself I’m the most prepared I’d ever been for this event and reminding myself there was no pressure for time today, I was just going out there to enjoy it as part of the final stages of marathon preparation.

The race

Waiting for the off! 

After meeting the rest of the DOrunning team for our obligatory pre-race team photo and half an hour of the standard “are you ready?” “what time are you hoping for?” chatter, it was time to head for my starting pen. It felt a bit weird because for the first time in a couple of years non of my friends had been allocated the same starting wave as me.

Starting to feel the late September chill, I was so relieved when, after a 10-ish minute delay, we were finally given the signal to shuffle towards the start line. Time to press GO on the Garmin and getting on with the task in hand.

Even in the years where I’ve struggled, the first mile of the Robin Hood always melts away – first with the crowds of spectators lining up on the Embankment then finding a rhythm down London Road. This year was no different and I had the added encouragement of knowing my parents would be stood at their marshalling spot by the train station.

Support crew!

Even the first tough climb up towards the Castle didn’t seem too much of a bother, no-doubt thanks to the months of horrible hill training Des has had us doing! The Park section is never easy, but with a smile on my face I retraced the steps I’d done with Des and the Charlie from the radio on Friday morning and dug deep to get to the top ready for the long forgiving downhill of Derby Road.

I always enjoy the next stretch, turning into Triumph Road to start spotting the speedy front-runners coming back through mile eight as I’m just ticking off mile four. There weren’t quite as many to spot this year as I reached that section a good 10-15 minutes ahead of normal, but it still gave an excellent boost as I managed a few waves to friends when approaching Crown Island before the course splits again.

The temperature really was climbing now and I was starting to flag as I reached the half way point – not helped by the weird small cartons of water that seemed impossible to get enough hydration on board, coupled with the short sharp climb up to Wollaton Hall.

The next quarter of a mile or so down the very picturesque Lime Tree Avenue back towards the ring road was quite congested with runners, which forced a slight slowing of pace. I think to be honest this probably did me a favour and allowed me to get my head together a bit ready to push on when the paths opened up again back on the ring road.

A lot of people say they find the next couple of miles a bit boring. But for me, there’s always something pretty cool around running down the middle of one of my city’s busiest vessels, ignoring the traffic lights I wait patiently at every day. No vehicles around, just the sound of pairs of trainers hitting the tarmac supported by the cheering from spectators. I love it!

Seven miles turned to eight and then nine as I made my way around the familiar course, still trying to spot my friends where I could while also making new ones, chatting to my fellow runners about the climbing heat, how nice it was to be back and the relief at having ‘just a parkrun left to go’! I was taking it all in, really embracing being back at one of my favourite events after the extended break.

By the time I got to 11 miles I was really tired but determined to get to the end without walking now I’d made it this far. The much needed boost of seeing my parents as I turned back off Queens Drive and towards The Meadows and home!

The sun was really shining by this time as midday approached, so the last couple of miles took some effort and I felt quite dehydrated thanks to the fiddly cartons of water being handed out on the course. Passing my house just after the 12 mile marker was quite a challenge but I was excited to be turning back onto the embankment for the final stretch of the race.

As I made my way down the tree-lined path I must run down 100 times a year, it felt really special to be back – and that was before the fantastic surprise of seeing my brother, sister-in-law and nephew stood on the side-line cheering me on.

The final turn back onto the field for the very end of the route saw the crowds of

spectators thicken and the noise levels grow considerably. Spotting loads of familiar faces really spurred me on enough to almost manage a sprint finish over the line in 2:07:17, a massive course PB for me and huge progress on the last few years!

Enjoying my first pepsi
maxx in a month! 

The after party

Despite achieving a really pleasing run, the real story of the day comes from what happened next!

Surrounded by our friends and family, Des took the opportunity to ask me to marry him, and of course I said yes! It really made what was a brilliant day into a perfect one, I truly couldn’t have asked for anything more!!

I could be writing all day and couldn't do it justice, so check out Des's YouTube for the video! 

 

Work hard, get results: my great experience at the Great North Run

My great experience at the Great North Run

I’m not sure why, but I’ve never particularly hankered after doing the Great North Run. I enjoy watching it on telly – ever since my first Robin Hood Half, it’s been part of my schedule to do my last long run the morning of Great North before settling down to watch it, full of nerves and excitement for my own race in a couple of weeks.

And despite everyone telling me how brilliant it is and how it should be on every runner’s bucket list, it's just never been a race I’m desperate to do. Perhaps the massive hype is what put me off a bit, I’ll decide what race to do for myself, thank you very much! I absolutely couldn’t believe that people even paid quite a bit for an expensive membership package to guarantee them entry (which they then pay quite a bit more for) for the next three years. Madness!

But back in January 2020, curiosity (and being spurred on by Des) got the better of me so I agreed to sign up for a charity place with Prostate Cancer UK for the September 2020 event.

Before you read the rest of my blog, I'm popping in a shameless plug to my fundraising page - just in case you don't get all the way to the bottom! 

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KayandDes 

Preparing

I don’t need to explain what happened next to cause a delay, but 18 months later with the event finally around the corner, I must admit I started to get quite excited. Part of that was down to the thought of doing my first big city race in what feels like forever and the rest of the excitement came from being better prepared for a half marathon than I’ve ever been.

Since January I’ve been taking part in a training programme designed by Des which involves a couple of training sessions each week along with setting targets each month around food and drink etc. Starting in the cold dark depths of the winter seems like an age ago now, but over the months the work we’ve done has built an excellent foundation for the mass events now they're finally back and ultimately the Manchester Marathon in a few week's time.

So when September rolled around and the race number package dropped on my doormat, I couldn’t wait to make the runners’ pilgrimage up North for weekend and earn myself a medal!  

parkrun

Naturally, a DOrunning weekend away wouldn’t be complete without a bit of parkrun tourism, so bright and early on the Saturday morning, trying to ignore the effects of quite a few ciders on the Friday evening, our little gang headed off in search of Leazes Park which falls in the shadow of St James’ Park in Newcastle.

The beautiful September sunshine made the park look really lovely. The course was three laps starting on a gentle downhill then around a small lake before heading back up the slight hill back to the start. I took it deliberately steady to keep my legs ticking over nicely before the main event, but as always, it was a lovely start to the day!

The Great North Run

The on-the-day preparation for this race was different to what I’m used to. To spread out the runners and allow more room for social distancing across the course, the wave times we’d been allocated stretched across several hours. This made for an interesting dynamic in the house we’d rented for the weekend – nine of us all doing the run had different timetables for the morning, rather than getting up early to shovel down porridge and head to the start on mass.

It actually made for a really pleasant and relaxed morning. I was in one of the later waves and due to start at around 12.30, so I had plenty of time to eat  breakfast and even watch a bit of the coverage on TV once I’d waved Des off for his earlier start.

Myself and some of the others eventually left just before 11am, a little earlier than we needed to, but we were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Red Arrows on their flypast – which we did a couple of minutes into our walk towards the start! It wasn’t the same as being out on the course, but it’s always a special sound and sight.

As we got to the race village, it was quite tricky to imagine just what it might be like with all 55,000 runners congregating at the same time! Despite the swarms of people still around to drop off bags and go for one last wee in the portaloo, the set up allowed for a seamless experience and in no time at all I found myself stood in front of a bit of rope waiting to be shown to the starting line by a jolly Geordie marshal. The chap gave us an excellent briefing about what to expect, before pulling the rope away and letting us start our march to the start.

To be honest, it felt like a bit of an anti-climax crossing the line! The crowds we’re so used to seeing on TV had been replaced with a socially-distanced smattering of runners – but this actually had the great benefit of allowing me to find my own space and get into a good rhythm.

I’d told myself, and everyone else, that I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself for this run. It’s the biggest and one of the most famous half marathons in the world and the on-course entertainment and crowd support is supposed to be second to none. I planned on taking it all in and enjoying it – unless something went drastically wrong I was all but guaranteed a PB so I set about the route with my phone in hand ready to snap away and document my run.

The first mile marker rolled around really quickly – not surprising when I looked at my watch to find I’d done it in around nine minutes! I took a super quick selfie which I sent to my family chat group and carried on along the way, feeding off the fabulous atmosphere around me at I headed towards one of the highlights of the route, the Tyne Bridge.

The miles continued to melt away, each time I took my mile marker selfie and posted it to my family and received some really mood-boosting photos of my nephew counting along with me. Not that I needed extra mood boosting – everyone was in the best spirits!

In the lead up to the event, a lot of people really complained about this year’s route – the iconic point-to-point starting in Newcastle and ending in South Shields abandoned in favour of a more covid-friendly out and back course. But I really liked it! The next drumming band or disco bus was never far away, and the opportunity to look for Des and my friends coming back the other way gave excellent motivation too.

Before too long, it was time to make my way around the hair pin bend and back towards home. On the way out, I’d watched the runners on the other side somewhat enviously as their part of the course looked like it was all downhill. That was definitely an optical illusion. As I ticked the miles off, fairly small undulations started to feel a bit relentless – absolutely not all downhill!  

Feeling myself tiring around eight miles in, I decided to use one of the gels I’d stashed in my trusty flip-belt to give myself a bit of a boost. My head was still absolutely loving it, but my legs were starting to get a bit upset so it felt like a good time. Now I’d got through way past half way in an excellent time, I was keen to do as well as I possibly could!

By the time I reached the 10 mile mark, I was so glad I’d had the gel. The hills didn’t stop and we had some really mean slip roads to run up and take us back over the iconic Tyne Bridge and into the city centre.

Running back towards the centre, there was a marked increase in the number of people lining the streets – and the noise level coming from them! I’d forgotten how amazing it is running through a tunnel of people shouting, cheering and making all sorts of noise to spur you on. It really was the encouragement needed, especially as it has started to rain now and the finish felt like a million miles away when really it was just over one.

The standard Great North Run route is famed for its costal path finish and running along the dual carriageway probably couldn’t be more different – but the way I was feeling at that point, I could have been anywhere in the world, in fact I felt on top of it! I was bolting toward the finish line of a half marathon that I’d genuinely loved every step of. No mental battles, no horrible tears and tantrums, just 13.1 miles of fun and enjoyment!

Stepping over the line and stopping my watch, I couldn’t have been more delighted with the numbers on the screen. 02:04:33! Much better than the 2:15 I’d gone out aiming for and a massive event PB for me. I was so so pleased and proud of myself.

All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic experience and I’d consider myself a complete Great North Convert. Desperate to go back and have a crack at the famous traditional route, I’m even considering that membership option I’d thought was ludicrous previously!

Work hard, get results

I’m going to be a bit controversial now.

In running circles, people have mantras, which is absolutely fine. I’ve got some of my own I use to will myself on at times when I need a to.

Lots of these mantras are about relaxing, enjoying a run and not worrying about paces and times and just believing in yourself. Which again, is absolutely fine. If that’s what you want from running.

But what if you want to push yourself? Belief alone isn’t going to get you a PB – and it certainly isn’t going to allow you to enjoy the runs where you're attempting to. I know, because for a good few years I bashed around half marathons trying to run on belief alone. It's not nice and causes a lot more tears and nerves than I'd have liked!

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to push yourself and get better at doing something you love and get so much from! My success in this event was in absolutely no small part due to the pushing I’ve done myself and the pushing I’ve opened myself up to in Des’s coaching sessions throughout the year, which I couldn’t be more thankful for.

So that’s going to by my new mantra. It’s simple really: work hard, get results!

If you made it to the end, I hope you enjoyed it! Before you check out the photos below (and look at my very novice attempt at doing a TikTok!) please consider popping over to my fundraising page and leaving a donation. Thank you! 

Ready for the off!

One mile down!

Done, medal time!

A celebratory pint!

Thunder Run round two

After the last time I took part in Thunder Run, I swore I’d never do it again. A horrific two-and-a-half hour 10km through the mud and through the woods in the dark, struggling (and failing at one point) to stay on my feet was quite enough of an experience, thank you very much.

So back in October 2019 when the bookings were made for what should have been the July 2020 event, I was still firmly in the ‘never again’ camp. But as time has progressed, my running has progressed and the memories of that awful lap faded somewhat, I started to feel a bit of FOMO around not running this time.

So naturally, when a spot became available a couple of weeks before the event, I jumped at the chance (after checking the long-range weather forecast, of course!)

As the event approached and the arrangements were made – who’d be in which team, how we’d be getting there and who would take pity on the camping novices and look after Des and I, the excitement definitely built. 

Here's how it all unfolded!

Friday evening

Due to clashing with other plans in previous years, me and Des have always arrived at the campsite on Saturday so it was really nice this year to be able to take in the whole weekend and enjoy the nice relaxed atmosphere of the Friday evening. Catching up with friends I’d not seen in a while (and those I see several times a week!) was lovely and there was a fantastic feel about the place.

This was made so much better when I was absolutely delighted to be named the DOrunning Female Runner of the Year for 2020 at our mini awards ceremony! It’s something I would never have expected and I’m really proud of myself for! It absolutely set the weekend up for me and gave me an excellent sense of confidence ready for the challenge ahead.

Team talk

All that was left before bed was to plan our method of attack! With 17 runners in total, we were in three teams – I’d found myself in a team of six along with Des, Ian, Dave, Barry and Craig. Still somewhat scarred from my awful experience two years ago and unashamedly afraid of the dark, we managed to draw up a schedule which would give me the last lap in the light at night and the first in the light in the morning.

My personal target at this point was to complete a minimum of three laps – and push to four if I felt alright and time allowed.

Lap one – 12:00hrs, Saturday

Taking on the first lap is always going to be exciting, but in the long absence of mass events, this year it felt extra special! Being penned in (socially distanced, of course) with the familiar hum of excited runners and the smell of deep heat felt brilliant and made me really keen to get going, plastering over any pre-race nerves I’d had building.

The clock ticked on to 12:00 and the crowd started to shuffle forwards, slowly at first with the pace picking up as our feet hit the timing mat to officially start lap one. Running through the tunnel of spectators felt amazing! I got a little emotional and settled into my run absolutely beaming.

I couldn’t remember the course perfectly, but I knew there was a nice flat start before heading up into the woods for a climb. Last time, I never even attempted to run the ascent but this year I really enjoyed jumping and diving around under the cool shade of the trees – it felt like an adventure!

In great spirits for the whole 10km route, I made bits of conversation with fellow runners, swapping small talk about how nice it was to be an event, how testing the hills were and how the tall grass was a bit tricky. Swept up in the fantastic atmosphere, the miles melted away. 

Before I knew it, I was doing the last few twists and turns and heading back into the race village to pass on the baton – in the very respectable time of around 1hr 3 minutes, I was absolutely buzzing!

Time for lunch and a nap ready for lap number two.

Lap two – 7.30pm, Saturday

By the time my second lap rolled around, I was ready and raring to go! More than seven hours into the challenge now, the atmosphere hadn’t faltered and everyone was still in great spirits. I knew I had plenty of time to complete my lap before it would be dark, which was a comfort, so I set off feeling good and looking forward to another spin around the scenic and undulating route.

As time goes on, you can really start to tell the difference between those of us working in teams and those battling through solo efforts. I think that’s part of what makes the 24 hour events so special – more so than in any other event. Everyone has their own challenges, game plans and reasons for being out there.

On the whole, it was quite an uneventful but enjoyable lap. I did walk a few little patches this time, conscious of saving my legs for future efforts as much as anything. By around 8km I was getting really hungry and this was starting to make my running feel a bit difficult – the thought of a nice curry waiting for me back at camp definitely spurred me on and got me over the finish line in comfortably under 1:10, another really pleasing time!

Lap three – 4.42am, Sunday

Getting started was always going to be the hardest part of this lap, for a couple of reasons: I don’t do dark and I don’t do lack of sleep.

In the weeks leading up to the event, I’d made it clear to everyone that running in the dark was going to be a hard no for me – I just knew it wasn’t worth the worrying I’d spend doing about it all weekend. 

We had our plan which meant I'd be doing the last light lap and the first light lap, but as Saturday went on, everyone on the team really smashed their laps and we ended up running over an hour ahead of our scheduled times.

Luckily, the rest of my team weren’t too worried about having someone on the course at all times and put absolutely no pressure on me, but I wanted to do my very best (the Girl Guide in me!) and I knew that if there was going to be any chance of fitting a fourth lap in, I couldn’t let too much time lapse before I went back out to get number three in.

I compromised with myself. Get to the start line in the last of the dark, knowing it would be light enough to not be scary by the time I reached the thick wooded section of the route. So off I went for a third time, crossing the start line and heading off again. 

As the kilometres ticked by this time everything started to hurt. Muscles fatigued from the two previous laps, body feeling the effects of two nights (well a night and a half) on an airbed, it took some serious will-power to keep running through the grass and tracks. I willed myself on, stopping to walk on the up-hills but churning as best I could the rest of the time.

I don’t think it would be a full Kay running story without tears at some point, and these came just after the half way point on this lap. As I passed through the water station, one of the volunteers asked if this was my last lap – he must have been able to see how knackered I was! I told him I’d squeeze a fourth in if my turn came around in time to which he responded “That’s it, team player I love it!”. Naturally the vague compliment from a stranger made me burst into tears as I dragged myself up the hill reflecting on how proud I was of myself!

At the top of the final big hill my legs were really aching but I still managed a smile for the couple of selfies I took to send to my Mum. I’d all but decided by now that this would be my last trip around the course and the thought of a can of dark fruits and a shower when I got back to camp really spurred my on to complete it. I crossed the line in 1:18 which I was absolutely fine with.

The rest of the morning

True to my promise to myself, I enjoyed a 6am can of slightly warm cider while I decided what to do next. I knew that if I really pushed, I could squeeze another lap in. But that would have meant putting pressure on my team to get their next laps done and it would have risked tarnishing my really nice experience with what was likely to be a really uncomfortable 10km and probably extra time after the event to recover.

Time for a shower it was then! Followed by a couple more breakfast cans and a couple of sausage cobs – what a way to spend Sunday morning!

It’s tradition at Thunder Run for every member of the team to run the final few hundred metres with their teammate completing the last lap. Wearing our new souvenir t-shirts and with the DOrunning flag flying between us, we marched over the line all smiles and pride – it really is a fantastic feeling all coming over the line together!

We managed 19 laps between the six of us, beating one of our fellow DOrunning teams by exactly one second. Of course where all friends and not competitive at all, but when you put runners in teams we’re always going to want the bragging rights!

My second experience of Thunder Run was something I swore would never happen! At the time of writing (it’s taken me almost two months to get this post finished!) the organisers have announced the dates for next year’s race. Will there be a Thunder Run round three? Let’s wait and see!

Near the end of lap 2, some excellent views from the top!

Starting lap 3 in the actual dark!

Shattered but happy, me and Des at the end!

Being presented with my Female Runner of the Year trophy!

How all good events end - with a medal and a pint!

The DOrunning army!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The four F's of the Big Track

After last week’s challenging half marathon (I’m still not over the Carlton Hill and Porchester Road double – putting that half way through 13.2 miles was a ridiculous idea!!), this week it seemed like a great idea to schedule a flat 10 miler for the weekend long one. Less distance and less of a challenge but still a decent run, especially on a consecutive weekend to the half last Sunday.

Living where I do, it’s quite surprising that I’ve never tackled the Big Track from start to finish. For those who don’t know, this is a 10 mile loop in Nottingham, taking in the canal path, Beeston fields and River Trent. It’s a running and cycling favourite because it boats the three F’s – flat, fast and free from traffic.

Despite rave reviews from many, I’m somewhat disappointed to say I’d give it another ‘F’ – ‘effing boring! Yes the canal is nice, and yes I always like running by the Trent – but by mile five I was almost wishing for the up-hill climb of a brutal hill to shake things up a bit! At least there was a shocking head-wind to keep things just about interesting for a massive chunk of the route!

I won’t knock it completely and I do understand why many enjoy it so much. It was nice not to worry about timing traffic lights right and I’m sure in nicer weather it’s probably more enjoyable. But for me, I need variety to keep me keen and make the miles melt away. And if that means hellish hills and tricky turns, then that’s what I’ll have to do.

Scoring

This is a new feature I’m planning to use for all my route/race reviews!

Difficulty – 3/10 – 10 miles is always going to bring a certain level of challenge

Navigation – 8/10 – almost impossible to go wrong as long as you’ve got a good grasp of the area

Mental stimulation – 3/10 – just not a great deal going on once you’re over looking at water and saying hello to other runners

PB potential – 9/10 – flat as you like and no annoying traffic light stops, just a couple of points where social distancing causes a bit of slowing down if it’s busy

Average score – 5.75/10

Would I do it again?

To be honest, probably yes. I’d do it the other way round to see if it’s any more exciting and I’d definitely use a really good podcast or something similar, rather than my same old long running playlist. It’s a useful way of getting some good miles in and, if I get half way round and I’m really not feeling it, I can peel off and change things up if I want to.

All in all, it was a morning well spent and some good solid miles under my belt. I ran a 10 mile PB (1:37:04) which I’m obviously delighted with and it’s topped me up to another 25 mile week which is becoming the norm in 2021.

The River Trent, shortly after turning back towards home in Beeston

The blog post that never was...here it finally is!

One of my new year’s resolutions for 2021 was to keep my running blog up to date. Clearly, 20 days into March, that’s not quite gone to plan!

I have started writing this post a couple of times. At the start of January, it was going to be a long and reflective post about how everything clicked for me and running in 2020 and just like that I was enjoying it and felt like I was getting good at it again.

At the start of February, it was going to be a very excited post about how I’d signed up for the Manchester Marathon due to take place in October and how I couldn’t wait to throw myself into the training and really see what I can do this time around. Half way though February it was almost about how proud I was of running a solo half marathon at PB pace on a cold and miserable day.

Now we’re a fair chunk through March, there’s nothing in particular I want to write about. But I’ve been complaining about being bored for the last couple of hours, so I gave myself a talking to and here I am finally putting some thoughts down and getting this post written at long last!

Way back in 2015 when I started running, I started this blog as a way to document my training. It’s always been as much for me as for anyone else really, at first it was weekly, then write ups for every event written on the day, then write ups for most events written at some point in the months afterwards.

I’m going to really make a point of getting some words down on a regular basis now. It gives me something to think about while I’m out on the long runs, it’s something nice to look back on (I never anticipated back at the start that I’d still be running six years later) and above all else, I really do love writing stuff for the sake of writing!

Weekly might be asking a bit much, so I’m going to aim for two posts a month. I’m always better at keeping to targets when I write them down, so there it is. At least twice a month, I will be setting aside an hour or so to write about running and share my progress as I prepare myself for marathon number two.

If I can finally get my running on form after being stuck for a couple of years, the writing about it should be a doddle!

Snapped by Des at the very end of my solo half marathon a few weeks ago, delighted to be crossing the line in less than 2:20!